Description
These Cranberry Puff Pastry Cutouts are a festive and delicious treat perfect for the holiday season. Crisp, flaky puff pastry layers sandwich a sweet and tangy homemade cranberry filling infused with orange zest, cinnamon, and vanilla. Lightly brushed with an egg wash for a golden finish and dusted with powdered sugar, these cutouts make an elegant and tasty dessert or snack that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 cups Fresh Cranberries
- 1/2 cup Cane Sugar
- 1/4 cup Orange Juice
- 2 teaspoons Orange Zest
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Dough and Topping
- 2 sheets Puff Pastry
- 1 Egg
- 1 teaspoon Water
- Powdered Confectioners Sugar, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cranberry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, cane sugar, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the filling thickens. Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: Roll each sheet of puff pastry into approximately a 12-by-12-inch square on a lightly floured surface to provide an even base for the filling.
- Assemble Layers: Spread the cooled cranberry filling evenly over one sheet of the puff pastry, reaching the edges. Carefully place the second sheet of puff pastry on top to encase the filling.
- Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out as many shapes as possible from the layered puff pastry. Transfer these cutouts carefully to the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Lightly brush this egg wash on the tops of each puff pastry cutout for a shiny and golden finish once baked.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the puff pastry turns golden brown and flaky.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cutouts cool slightly on a wire rack, then dust with powdered confectioners sugar to add a beautiful finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cranberry filling is completely cooled before spreading on puff pastry to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- For a festive presentation, use seasonal or themed cookie cutters for the cutouts.
- You can prepare the cranberry filling a day ahead and refrigerate it to save time.
- Make sure to seal the edges of the puff pastry sheets gently to avoid leakage of the filling during baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat briefly in a low oven to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry puff pastry, cranberry dessert, holiday pastry, puff pastry cutouts, cranberry filling, cinnamon orange cranberry, festive pastries
